North East lands £100m data centre investment, creating 400 jobs in the area

The start-up sustainable technology company, ST2, has exchanged its land in the former ICI site in Redcar as part of its £100m development of a new data centre.

The investment in the site will lead to the creation of approximately 400 jobs. Significantly this is a huge inward investment for the North East, pending a successful planning application.

The CEO of ST2, Anne Stokes said; “This is an important step forward in our ambition to develop an environmentally sustainable data centre and technology services business in the North East. Not only will this be an important source of quality jobs for the area, but demonstrates that the tech sector isn’t just a phenomenon for the South of England.”

The new data centre is planned to be situated on the former ICI site near Wilton and powered by Sembcorp, ensuring a carbon neutral footprint. All relevant submissions have been made, including the planning application, which has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, expected to be reviewed over the next six months.

Managing director of GDL, Lucy Horner said; “The technology sector is a major source of economic growth for the UK for the 21st century and Redcar and the North East is perfectly positioned for inward investment. The region has a strong workforce, available land for regeneration, and supportive local infrastructure that is attractive for innovative businesses.”

Anne Stokes concluded; “Our planned development here in Redcar is part of a 20-year investment that will create long-term skilled employment. Data Centre’s have become an essential part of the country’s critical economic infrastructure so we will also be supporting a wide range of businesses and encouraging them to either set up shop or grow their existing activities in the North East.”